Billing Policy
This Billing Policy outlines how bulk billing, private fees, and Medicare processing work at HopeMedics Medical Clinic.
1. Overview
HopeMedics is committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to the local community.
We are a bulk billing clinic for eligible Medicare services. However, some consultations, procedures, reports, vaccinations and other services are not covered by Medicare or may involve additional costs.
Where a private fee applies, we will discuss this with you before providing the service wherever practicable.
2. Bulk Billing
For eligible services, HopeMedics bills Medicare directly so there is no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.
Bulk billing may apply to services such as:
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standard GP consultations;
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chronic disease management services;
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mental health care planning services;
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eligible immunisations;
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antenatal care; and
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other eligible general practice services.
Bulk billing depends on the relevant Medicare item, patient eligibility and clinical circumstances.
To bulk bill a service, you will be asked to assign your Medicare benefit to HopeMedics electronically.
3. Private Consultation Fees
The following consultation fees apply where a consultation is not eligible for a Medicare rebate:
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Consultation type - Fee
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Short consultation - $50
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Standard consultation - $80
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Long consultation - $120
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Prolonged consultation - $150
These fees may apply, for example, where a patient does not hold a valid Medicare card or where the consultation is not eligible for Medicare benefits.
Please ask reception if you are unsure whether a fee may apply to your appointment.
4. Other Services That May Attract a Fee
Some services are not fully covered by Medicare and may attract a private fee. These may include:
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minor surgical procedures;
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skin cancer treatment;
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iron infusions;
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travel medicine, vaccinations and vaccines;
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medical reports and certificates;
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insurance, employment or work-related medicals;
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commercial driver licence medicals;
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pre-employment assessments;
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cosmetic procedures;
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consumables, dressings or equipment used during procedures;
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non-PBS medications or private prescriptions; and
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other services not eligible for Medicare benefits.
Where possible, we will advise you of any applicable fee before treatment or service is provided.
5. Procedures and Consumables
Some procedures may involve additional charges for treatment, dressings, equipment, consumables, pathology-related services or medications.
Any expected out-of-pocket costs will be discussed with you before proceeding wherever possible.
6. Missed Appointments and Late Cancellations
We respectfully ask for at least 2 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
A missed-appointment or late-cancellation fee may apply where insufficient notice is provided.
Repeated missed appointments may result in:
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outstanding fees needing to be paid before another appointment is booked; or
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changes to future booking arrangements.
7. Medicare Claims and Private Billing
For bulk billed services, HopeMedics will submit the Medicare claim directly.
For privately billed services, payment is required on the day of consultation unless other arrangements have been approved.
Where a Medicare rebate is available, we may be able to submit the claim electronically on your behalf. The rebate amount, if any, is determined by Medicare and may not cover the full consultation fee.
8. Payment Methods
We accept EFTPOS, debit cards, credit cards and contactless payments.
Please contact reception before your appointment if you have questions about payment options.
9. Pathology Services
HopeMedics offers on-site pathology collection services.
Pathology services are provided by an independent provider and may have separate billing arrangements. Please confirm any pathology-related fees directly with the pathology provider or reception before your appointment.
10. Accounts and Outstanding Fees
Private accounts are generally payable on the day of consultation.
If an account remains unpaid, HopeMedics may require it to be settled before future appointments can be confirmed.
Please speak with reception as early as possible if you have a question or concern about an account.
11. Refunds
If you believe you have been charged incorrectly, please contact reception.
Refund requests are assessed based on the circumstances and in accordance with applicable consumer and Medicare requirements.
12. Policy Updates
We may update this Billing Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our services, fee structure, Medicare requirements or clinic procedures.
The current version will always be available on our website.